This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: marcenath Surnames: Martinez, Saldana Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.newmexico.counties.donaana/5158/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Beloved Petra Saldaña Martinez, 79, of Castroville, passed away peacefully at home on the morning of January 15. Her family was by her bedside surrounding her with love and prayers. She was the loving mother of nine and devoted wife of Calistro Martinez for 62 years. Most important to her were her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved her children unconditionally and made untold sacrifices for them. She will be remembered for her wonderful gifts of warmth, generosity and kindness to all whom crossed her path. She loved her family deeply and was loved deeply in return. Petra was born in February 22, 1931 in Tortugas, New Mexico to a beautiful Native American Apache mother, Guadalupe. After marrying and living many years in El Paso, Texas, she and Calistro packed up their nine children and moved to Castroville, California where she was to live her whole life. As a devout Catholic and long-standing parishioner of Our Lady of Refuge Catholic Church, she was known to many as the "great lady of Castroville." She made friends everywhere she went, and she won over everyone with her sweet smile. As the backbone of our family, our mother was a strong woman who kept her family together. She was a great cook, and she would prepare delicious meals every Sunday so that her children would gather and enjoy special time with her. Throughout the past years in the face of illness, she was an inspiration through her grace and courage. We were blessed to have her and are grateful for her life and presence in our lives. Petra is survived by her husband, Calistro; four sons, Francisco, Gilbert, Daniel and Alfredo; three daughters, Mariaelena, Elsa and Lilly. Two sons, George and Miguel, preceded their mother in passing in 1994 and 2003 respectively, as did two grandchildren and a sister, Francis. Her daughters-in-law and sons-in-law and her 10 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren will also miss her greatly. She is also survived by one brother, Adolfo, and three sisters, Candelaria, Cipriana, and Maria. One of her many talents was that she never forgot a single birthday of any member of her large family. Viewing will be held on Wednesday, January 19 from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. with a Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Refuge Catholic Church, 11140 Preston Street, Castroville. The funeral Mass and Celebration of Life will also be held at the Church on Thursday, January 20 at 10:00 a.m. Arrangements by Alta Vista Mortuary, 831-424-0311 Online condolences: www.altavistamortary.com Published in Las Cruces Sun-News on January 21, 2011 Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.